US9033924B2 - Systems for fluid reservoir retention - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device is provided. The fluid reservoir can include a first portion having a first end and a second end. The first end can include an alignment feature and a delivery port. The fluid reservoir can include a second portion coupled to the second end of the first portion, with a portion of the second portion movable within the first portion to advance a fluid out of the delivery port. The fluid reservoir can also include a reservoir defined between the first portion and the second portion that receives the fluid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to fluid infusion devices for delivering a medication fluid to the body of a user. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to systems and methods for fluid reservoir retention.

BACKGROUND

Certain diseases or conditions may be treated, according to modern medical techniques, by delivering a medication or other substance to the body of a patient, either in a continuous manner or at particular times or time intervals within an overall time period. For example, diabetes is commonly treated by delivering defined amounts of insulin to the patient at appropriate times. Some common modes of providing insulin therapy to a patient include delivery of insulin through manually operated syringes and insulin pens. Other modern systems employ programmable fluid infusion devices (e.g., insulin pumps) to deliver controlled amounts of insulin to a patient.

A fluid infusion device suitable for use as an insulin pump may be realized as an external device or an implantable device, which is surgically implanted into the body of the patient. External fluid infusion devices include devices designed for use in a generally stationary location (for example, in a hospital or clinic), and devices configured for ambulatory or portable use (to be carried by a patient). External fluid infusion devices may establish a fluid flow path from a fluid reservoir to the patient via, for example, a suitable hollow tubing. The hollow tubing may be connected to a hollow fluid delivery needle that is designed to pierce the patient's skin to deliver an infusion medium to the body. Alternatively, the hollow tubing may be connected directly to the patient's body through a cannula or set of micro-needles.

The fluid reservoir of an external fluid infusion device may be realized as a single-use prefilled disposable unit, a patient-filled unit, a refillable unit, or the like. The fluid reservoir for a typical fluid infusion device is implemented as a removable and replaceable component. In order to ensure proper fluid delivery, the fluid reservoir needs to be properly retained within the fluid infusion device.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for retention of a removable fluid reservoir in a fluid infusion device to ensure proper insulin delivery. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various exemplary embodiments, a fluid infusion device is provided. The fluid infusion device can include a fluid reservoir having a barrel portion and a housing defining a receiving portion for removably receiving the fluid reservoir within the housing. The housing can have a first side including a first engagement system that cooperates with the barrel portion to bias the fluid reservoir relative to the housing in a direction substantially opposite a direction of fluid flow out of the fluid reservoir.

Also provided according to various exemplary embodiments is a fluid infusion device. The fluid infusion device can include a fluid reservoir having a first portion and a second portion. The fluid infusion device can also include a housing defining a receiving portion for removably receiving the fluid reservoir within the housing. The housing can have a first side adjacent to a second side. The first side can include a first engagement system that cooperates with the first portion and the second side can include a second engagement system that cooperates with the second portion. The first engagement system can include a wedge that biases the fluid reservoir relative to the housing in a direction substantially opposite a direction of fluid flow out of the fluid reservoir.

Various exemplary embodiments also provide a fluid infusion device. The fluid infusion device can include a fluid reservoir having a first portion, a second portion and a reservoir defined between the first portion and the second portion for receipt of insulin. The first portion can have a first alignment feature. The fluid infusion device can also include a first housing component including a first engagement system having a member movable by the first alignment feature between a first position and a second position. The fluid infusion device can include a second housing component coupled to the first housing component and including at least partially a second engagement system that cooperates with the second portion of the fluid reservoir. In the second position, the member can bias the fluid reservoir into contact with the second housing component.

In addition, various exemplary embodiments provide a housing for a fluid infusion device. The housing can include a first housing component including a first engagement system. The first housing component can define a first compartment and a second compartment. The first engagement system can be coupled to the second compartment and movable relative to the second compartment. The housing can also include a second housing component coupled to the first compartment of the first housing component and including a second engagement system. The second engagement system can be movable relative to the second housing component.

Various teachings provide a housing for a fluid infusion device. The housing can include a first side extending substantially perpendicular to a first end. The housing can also include a first engagement system coupled adjacent to the first end. A portion of the first engagement system can be movable relative to the first end in a direction substantially parallel to the first end. The housing can also include a second engagement system coupled to the first side. A portion of the second engagement system can be movable relative to the first side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device is provided. The fluid reservoir can include a first portion having a first end and a second end. The first end can include an alignment feature and a delivery port. The fluid reservoir can include a second portion coupled to the second end of the first portion, with a portion of the second portion movable within the first portion to advance a fluid out of the delivery port. The fluid reservoir can also include a reservoir defined between the first portion and the second portion that receives the fluid.

Also provided according to various exemplary embodiments is a fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device. The fluid reservoir can include a first portion having a first end and a second end. The first end can include a first alignment feature spaced apart from a second alignment feature and a delivery port adjacent to the first alignment feature. The fluid reservoir can include a second portion including a plunger and a housing. The plunger can be movable within the first portion to advance a fluid out of the delivery port and the housing can be coupled to the second end of the first portion. The fluid reservoir can include a reservoir defined between the first portion and the second portion that receives the fluid.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid infusion device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary housing of the fluid infusion device ofFIG. 1, which includes an exemplary fluid reservoir;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary base plate of the fluid infusion device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the housing ofFIG. 2 with the exemplary fluid reservoir removed;

FIG. 4B is a partially exploded view of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary top housing component of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the exemplary top housing component ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary bottom housing component of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary bottom housing component ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an exemplary snap housing of the pinion engagement system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary snap housing ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an exemplary wedge of the reservoir retention system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary wedge ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary barrel portion of an exemplary fluid reservoir for use with the fluid infusion device;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 2, taken along line14-14 ofFIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary engagement between the fluid reservoir and the reservoir retention system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a partially exploded view of the exemplary fluid reservoir;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary plunger guide of the fluid reservoir ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 2, taken along line17-17 ofFIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary engagement between the plunger guide of the fluid reservoir and the pinion engagement system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 18 is an end view of the housing ofFIG. 2, with the fluid reservoir partially exploded above the housing;

FIG. 18A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 18, taken alongline18A-18A ofFIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary partial engagement between the barrel portion of the fluid reservoir and the exemplary wedge of the reservoir retention system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 18B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 2, taken alongline18B-18B ofFIG. 18, illustrating an exemplary partial engagement between the barrel portion of the fluid reservoir and the exemplary wedge of the reservoir retention system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 19 is an end view of the housing ofFIG. 2, with the fluid reservoir partially exploded above the housing;

FIG. 19A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 19, taken alongline18A-18A ofFIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary partial engagement between the barrel portion of the fluid reservoir and the exemplary wedge of the reservoir retention system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 19B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 2, taken alongline19B-19B ofFIG. 19, illustrating an exemplary partial engagement between the barrel portion of the fluid reservoir and the exemplary wedge of the reservoir retention system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 20 is an end view of the housing ofFIG. 2, with the fluid reservoir coupled to the housing;

FIG. 20A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 20, taken alongline18A-18A ofFIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary engagement between the barrel portion of the fluid reservoir and the exemplary wedge of the reservoir retention system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 20B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 2, taken alongline20B-20B ofFIG. 20, illustrating an exemplary engagement between the barrel portion of the fluid reservoir and the exemplary wedge of the reservoir retention system of the housing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 2, taken along line21-21 ofFIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary partial engagement between the plunger guide of the fluid reservoir and the pinion engagement system of the housing ofFIG. 2; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the housing ofFIG. 2, taken along line21-21 ofFIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary engagement between the plunger guide of the fluid reservoir and the pinion engagement system of the housing ofFIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” could be used to refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”, “outboard”, and “inboard” could be used to describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

The following description relates to a fluid infusion device of the type used to treat a medical condition of a patient. The infusion device can be used for infusing fluid into the body of a user. The non-limiting examples described below relate to a medical device used to treat diabetes (more specifically, an insulin pump), although embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited. Accordingly, the infused medication fluid is insulin in certain embodiments. In alternative embodiments, however, many other fluids may be administered through infusion such as, but not limited to, disease treatments, drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension, iron chelation drugs, pain medications, anti-cancer treatments, medications, vitamins, hormones, or the like. For the sake of brevity, conventional features and characteristics related to infusion system operation, insulin pump and/or infusion set operation, fluid reservoirs, and fluid syringes may not be described in detail here. Examples of infusion pumps and/or related pump drive systems used to administer insulin and other medications may be of the type described in, but not limited to: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0299290 A1; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0269687; U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,764; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,868 (the entire content of these patent documents is incorporated by reference herein).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of afluid infusion device100. In one example, thefluid infusion device100 can include ahousing102, abase plate104 and a removable and replaceable fluid reservoir106 (FIG. 2). In this example, thehousing102 can comprise a durable, multiple use component and thebase plate104 can comprise a consumable, single use component. It should be noted that although thehousing102 is described herein as being a durable, multiple use component, thehousing102 can be a consumable, single use component in certain embodiments. Similarly, although thebase plate104 is described herein as comprising a consumable, single use component, thebase plate104 can be a durable, multiple use component in certain embodiments. Thehousing102 can be removably coupled to thebase plate104, and for the illustrated embodiment, thefluid reservoir106 can mate with, and can be received by, thehousing102. It should be noted that thefluid reservoir106 can mate with, and can be received by, thebase plate104 in certain embodiments. Thehousing102 can cooperate with thefluid reservoir106 to couple and retain thefluid reservoir106 within thehousing102.

With brief reference toFIG. 3, thebase plate104 is shown with thefluid reservoir106 in greater detail. It should be noted that thefluid reservoir106 is illustrated in this figure to merely aid in showing the relationship between thebase plate104 and thefluid reservoir106, but generally, thefluid reservoir106 is retained in and coupled to thehousing102. Thus, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 is merely exemplary. Thebase plate104 can be temporarily adhered to the skin of the patient using, for example, an adhesive layer of material. After thebase plate104 is affixed to the skin of the patient, a suitably configured insertion device or apparatus may be used to insert a fluid delivery needle or cannula107 (seeFIG. 1) into the body of the patient. Thecannula107 can function as one part of the fluid delivery path associated with thefluid infusion device100, as is well understood.

With reference toFIG. 1,FIG. 1 illustrates thehousing102 and thebase plate104 coupled together. Thehousing102 and thebase plate104 are cooperatively configured to accommodate removable coupling of thehousing102 to thebase plate104. In practice, thehousing102 and/or thebase plate104 can include features, structures, or elements to facilitate removable coupling (e.g., pawls, latches, rails, slots, keyways, buttons, or the like). The removable nature of thehousing102 enables the patient to replace thefluid reservoir106 as needed. Moreover, thehousing102 can be removed (while leaving thebase plate104 adhered to the patient) to allow the patient to swim, shower, bathe, and participate in other activities that might otherwise damage or contaminate thehousing102. When thehousing102 is removed from thebase plate104, the fluid flow path is broken.

With reference toFIGS. 2,4A and4B, thehousing102 is shown in more detail. Thehousing102 can include a first ortop housing component108, a second orbottom housing component110, a pinion engagement system112 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) and areservoir engagement system114. Further, thehousing102 can include, among other components, a drive motor, a battery, a rack and pinion drive system that cooperates with the fluid reservoir, and suitable circuitry to control those components. Further detail regarding these components can be found in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0160655, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/010654, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/010666, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,868, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. These components can generally be housed in a cavity formed between thetop housing component108 and thebottom housing component110.

In one example, with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, thetop housing component108 can include afirst compartment118 and asecond compartment120, which can be separated by a protrusion orwall122 defined along asurface108aof thetop housing component108. In one example, thewall122 can extend from a first side orfirst end124 to a second side orsecond end126 of thetop housing component108. Thefirst compartment118 can be defined by thewall122, aportion124aof thefirst end124, afirst portion126aof thesecond end126 and afirst side128 of thetop housing component108. Thesecond compartment120 can be defined by thewall122, asecond portion124bof thefirst end124, asecond portion126bof thesecond end126 and asecond side130 of thetop housing component108. It should be noted that this arrangement of thefirst compartment118 andsecond compartment120 is merely exemplary, as any suitable arrangement or configuration of thefirst compartment118 andsecond compartment120 could be employed, and further, thetop housing component108 could include more than two compartments, or could include a single compartment, if desired. In one example, thefirst compartment118 can be defined substantially on a side of a longitudinal axis of thetop housing component108, and thesecond compartment120 can be defined substantially or entirely on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis of thetop housing component108.

Further, it should be understood that in addition to thefirst compartment118,second compartment120 andwall122, thetop housing component108 can include various other features and components that can enable thehousing102 to cooperate with thebase plate104 to deliver insulin to a user. For example, thetop housing component108 can include features that enable thehousing102 to be removably coupled to thebase plate104, etc. In addition, thefirst portion126aand thesecond portion126bof thesecond end126 can be spaced apart from each other by athird portion126c, which can be indented or positioned towards thefirst end124 more than thefirst portion126aand thesecond portion126b. This spacing or configuration can enable the fluid path to be established between thehousing102 and the patient. In this regard, a mountingcap127 including a sealing element (FIG. 1) can be received within the recess defined by thethird portion126c, which can aid in establishing a fluid connection with the patient, as discussed in commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 13/399,878, incorporated by reference herein.

With continued reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, thefirst compartment118 can include various features for coupling thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108, and can also include features that can cooperate with other components associated with thehousing102, such as the drive motor, battery, etc. Generally, thebottom housing component110 can be coupled to thefirst compartment118 of thetop housing component108 to define a cavity for receipt of the other components of thehousing102. In one example, thebottom housing component110 can be coupled to thefirst compartment118 to as to substantially cover the first compartment118 (FIG. 2). It should be noted, however, that thebottom housing component110 can be coupled to and can cover, all or a portion of thetop housing component108.

With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, thesecond compartment120 can include apinion engagement portion132 and areservoir engagement portion134. In one example, thepinion engagement portion132 can be defined on thesecond side130 of thetop housing component108, and thereservoir engagement portion134 can be defined in thesecond portion126bof thesecond end126. Thepinion engagement portion132 can include arecess136 and at least onecoupling surface138. In one exemplary embodiment, therecess136 can be defined between afirst partition140, asecond partition142 and aprojection144. It should be noted that the use of thefirst partition140,second partition142 andprojection144 is merely exemplary, as therecess136 can be defined between one or more partitions. Generally, thefirst partition140 can be spaced apart from thesecond partition142 to define therecess136. Therecess136 can receive a portion of thepinion engagement system112, as will be discussed herein. Theprojection144 can be spaced generally below and between thefirst partition140 andsecond partition142 to constrain the portion of thepinion engagement system112 between thefirst partition140 andsecond partition142. In addition, if desired, aledge147 can be defined in thesecond side130 between thefirst partition140 andsecond partition142 to further support the portion of thepinion engagement system112.

In one example, the at least onecoupling surface138 can define afirst coupling surface138aand asecond coupling surface138b. Thefirst coupling surface138acan be spaced apart from thesecond coupling surface138b, and can be configured to aid in coupling thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108. In one example, thefirst coupling surface138aandsecond coupling surface138bcan define a recess, which can receive a suitable adhesive along with a portion of thebottom housing component110 for adhesively coupling thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108. It should be noted that any suitable technique can be used to couple thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108, such as the use of mechanical fasteners, press-fitting, etc.

Thereservoir engagement portion134 can include at least onecontact surface148, at least one retaining bore150 and a constrainingwall152. In one example, the at least onecontact surface148 can include afirst contact surface148a(FIG. 5) and asecond contact surface148b(FIG. 6). Thefirst contact surface148acan be spaced apart from and substantially opposite thesecond contact surface148b. In this regard, thefirst contact surface148acan be formed on thesecond side130, and thesecond contact surface148bcan be formed on asidewall154 of thesecond portion126bof thesecond end126. Thefirst contact surface148aandsecond contact surface148bcan contact a portion of thereservoir engagement system114 to constrain the movement of thereservoir engagement system114, as will be discussed herein.

The at least one retaining bore150 can retain a portion of thereservoir engagement system114. In one example, the at least one retaining bore150 can include a first retaining bore150a(FIG. 5), which can be spaced apart from and substantially opposite a second retaining bore150b(FIG. 6). In this example, the first retaining bore150acan be formed on thesecond side130, and the second retaining bore150bcan be formed on thesidewall154 of thesecond portion126bof thesecond end126. Generally, the first retaining bore150acan be formed between thefirst contact surface148aand asidewall156 of thesecond portion126b. Similarly, the second retaining bore150bcan be formed between thesecond contact surface148band thesidewall156 of thesecond portion126b. Thesidewall156 of thesecond end126 can also contact a portion of thereservoir engagement system114 to constrain the movement of thereservoir engagement system114.

In one example, the first retaining bore150acan include alip158, which can extend circumferentially about a least a portion of the first retaining bore150ato aid in guiding and retaining a portion of thereservoir engagement system114. It should be noted that thelip158 is merely exemplary, as the first retaining bore150acan comprise a recess defined within thesecond side130. The second retaining bore150bcan comprise a recess defined within thesidewall154 of thesecond end126, and can include aslot160. Theslot160 can assist in coupling the portion of thereservoir engagement system114 to thetop housing component108. In one example, theslot160 can receive an adhesive to fixedly couple a portion of thereservoir engagement system114 to thetop housing component108. It should be noted that the use of theslot160 is merely exemplary, as any suitable technique could be used to fixedly couple the portion of thereservoir engagement system114 to thetop housing component108, such as a mechanical fastener, press-fit, etc.

With reference toFIG. 5, the constrainingwall152 can be defined adjacent to the first retaining bore150a. The constrainingwall152 can project upwardly from thesurface108aof thetop housing component108, and can extend from thesecond side130 towards thesidewall154. The constrainingwall152 can have a height selected to enable the constrainingwall152 to contact a portion of thereservoir engagement system114 to constrain the rotational movement of thereservoir engagement system114. It should be noted that the use and configuration of the constrainingwall152 is merely exemplary, as any suitable technique could be used to constrict the rotational movement of thereservoir engagement system114, including modifications to thereservoir engagement system114 itself.

Thewall122 can cooperate with thebottom housing component110 to couple thetop housing component108 to thebottom housing component110. In one example, thewall122 can comprise a tongue portion of a tongue and groove adhesive joint, which can cooperate with a corresponding portion of thebottom housing component110. Thewall122 can have any suitable height, and for example, can have a varying height, which can correspond to thebottom housing component110. It should be noted that thewall122 and the height of thewall122 is merely exemplary, thebottom housing component110 could cooperate directly with thesurface108a, if desired.

With reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, the second orbottom housing component110 can be coupled to thetop housing component108. Thebottom housing component110 can include a perimeter, which can include at least oneinterference162, at least onerelief164, at least one contact face166 (FIG. 8) and apinion engagement portion168. It should be noted that although the at least oneinterference162, at least onerelief164, at least onecontact face166 andpinion engagement portion168 are described and illustrated herein as being disposed along the perimeter of thebottom housing component110, the at least oneinterference162, at least onerelief164, at least onecontact face166 andpinion engagement portion168 could be formed at any selected location on thebottom housing component110. Thebottom housing component110 can also define areservoir receiving portion170 and acomponent receiving portion172.

The at least oneinterference162 can assist in coupling thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108. In one example, the at least oneinterference162 can mate with a recessed slot174 (FIG. 5) defined in thethird portion126cof thesecond end126 to assist in coupling thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108. It should be noted that while oneinterference162 is illustrated and discussed herein,multiple interferences162 can be located about the perimeter of thebottom housing component110 to facilitate coupling thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108. Further, the use of the at least oneinterference162 is merely exemplary, as any suitable technique could be used in guiding or aligning thebottom housing component110 within thetop housing component108, such as rails, dovetails, etc.

The at least onerelief164 can provide clearance for a portion of thefluid reservoir106. In one example, the at least onerelief164 can comprise afirst relief164aand asecond relief164b. Thefirst relief164acan be defined in thereservoir receiving portion170, and thesecond relief164bcan be defined in thereservoir receiving portion170 adjacent to thepinion engagement portion168. Generally, the at least onerelief164 can provide clearance to accommodate for manufacturing tolerances in the production of thefluid reservoir106. It should be noted that the use of the at least onerelief164 is merely exemplary, as other manufacturing processes may not require the use of at least onerelief164.

With reference toFIG. 8, the at least onecontact face166 can be defined adjacent to thefirst relief164a. The at least onecontact face166 can contact a portion of thefluid reservoir106 to limit the travel of thefluid reservoir106 relative to thehousing102. It should be noted that although onecontact face166 is illustrated and described herein, thehousing102 can include any number of contact faces166 that can restrict the movement of thefluid reservoir106.

With reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, thepinion engagement portion168 can be defined in thereservoir receiving portion170. Thepinion engagement portion168 can define a channel, which can receive thepinion engagement system112. Thepinion engagement portion168 can include at least onespring guide178, at least oneretention flange180 and at least onecoupling flange182. Generally, thepinion engagement portion168 can be configured such that at least a portion of thepinion engagement system112 can be retained in the channel to aid in coupling thepinion engagement system112 to thehousing102.

With reference toFIG. 8, the at least onespring guide178 can include afirst spring guide178aand asecond spring guide178b, which can be formed substantially opposite each other about a perimeter of thepinion engagement portion168. In one example, thefirst spring guide178aandsecond spring guide178bcan be at least partially circumferential to receive a portion of thepinion engagement system112, as will be discussed herein.

With continued reference toFIG. 8, the at least oneretention flange180 can include afirst retention flange180aand asecond retention flange180b. Thefirst retention flange180aandsecond retention flange180bcan have any shape, which can correspond to a portion of thepinion engagement system112, and can be formed near the perimeter of thepinion engagement portion168. Generally, thefirst retention flange180aandsecond retention flange180bcan be formed on thebottom housing component110 so as to be near thesurface108aof thetop housing component108 when thebottom housing component110 is coupled to thetop housing component108.

The at least onecoupling flange182 in one example, can comprise afirst coupling flange182aand asecond coupling flange182b. Thefirst coupling flange182aandsecond coupling flange182bcan mate with a corresponding one of thefirst coupling surface138aandsecond coupling surface138bto couple thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108. Generally, thefirst coupling flange182aandsecond coupling flange182bcan be shaped to enable an adhesive to be positioned between thefirst coupling flange182aandsecond coupling flange182band respective ones of thefirst coupling surface138aand asecond coupling surface138bto adhesively couple thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108, however, as discussed, any suitable technique could be employed to couple thebottom housing component110 to thetop housing component108.

With reference toFIG. 7, thereservoir receiving portion170 can receive a portion of thefluid reservoir106 when thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102. In one example, thereservoir receiving portion170 can comprise a substantially U-shaped channel, which can cooperate with thesecond compartment120 of thetop housing component108 to enable thefluid reservoir106 to be coupled to thehousing102. The substantially U-shaped channel defined by thereservoir receiving portion170 can be in communication with thepinion engagement portion168 to enable thepinion engagement system112 to contact a portion of thefluid reservoir106, as will be discussed herein. Thecomponent receiving portion172 can receive the other components of thehousing102, such as the battery, circuitry, etc. At least a portion of thecomponent receiving portion172 can be received within thefirst compartment118 of thetop housing component108.

With reference now toFIG. 4B, thepinion engagement system112 is shown. In one example, thepinion engagement system112 can include asnap housing190 and a biasingmember192. Thesnap housing190 can be received in thepinion engagement portion168 of thebottom housing component110. With reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, thesnap housing190 can include a first side194 (FIG. 9), a second side196 (FIG. 10) and aperimeter198. With reference toFIG. 9, thefirst side194 can include alip200, at least oneprojection202 and acavity204. Thecavity204 can cooperate with a portion of thefluid reservoir106, and can also aid in forming thesnap housing190. In one example, thecavity204 can aid in forming thesnap housing190 when thesnap housing190 is formed using injection molding. It should be noted that thesnap housing190 could be formed through any suitable forming technique, and thus, the use of injection molding and thecavity204 is merely exemplary. Thelip200 can be defined adjacent to atop surface190aof thesnap housing190, between thetop surface190aand the at least oneprojection202. Thelip200 can cooperate with a portion of thefluid reservoir106 to removably couple thefluid reservoir106 to thebottom housing component110. Thelip200 can be defined to intersect a longitudinal axis of thesnap housing190 and can include a slight curvature, however, thelip200 can have any desired shape. Thelip200 can include arelief200a, which can facilitate the forming of thesnap housing190 through injection molding. It should be noted that therelief200ais merely exemplary, and that any suitable technique could be used to manufacture thesnap housing190. As will be discussed, thesnap housing190 can move or slide relative to thepinion engagement portion168 to aid in coupling thefluid reservoir106 to thehousing102. Thelip200 can generally extend outwardly from thefirst side194 for a distance greater than the at least oneprojection202 to aid in providing feedback to the user upon coupling of thefluid reservoir106 to thehousing102.

The at least oneprojection202 can contact a portion of thefluid reservoir106 to create an audible indicator that thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102. In one example, the at least oneprojection202 can comprise afirst projection202aand asecond projection202b. Thefirst projection202aand thesecond projection202bcan extend outwardly away from thefirst side194, and can each include acontact face206. The contact faces206 can contact the portion of thefluid reservoir106, as will be discussed herein. In addition, thefirst projection202aand thesecond projection202bcan be inclined relative to asurface194aof thefirst side194, to provide clearance to another portion of thefluid reservoir106 such that generally only the contact faces206 contact thefluid reservoir106.

With reference toFIG. 10, thesecond side196 of thesnap housing190 can include aspring guide196a. In one example, thespring guide196acan comprise an annular projection, which can extend outwardly from a surface of thesecond side196. It will be understood, however, that thespring guide196ais merely exemplary, as thesecond side196 could have any desired shape and configuration.

Theperimeter198 of thesnap housing190 can include at least one or a plurality ofretention flanges208. Theretention flanges208 can be spaced about the perimeter of thesnap housing190, and can cooperate with thefirst retention flange180aandsecond retention flange180bof thebottom housing component110 to retain thesnap housing190 within thepinion engagement portion168. It should be noted that while a plurality ofretention flanges208 are illustrated and described herein, thesnap housing190 could be retained within thepinion engagement portion168 via any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, a dovetail arrangement or slot and rail. As best illustrated inFIG. 10, theretention flanges208 can also cooperate with thespring guide196ato guide the biasingmember192, and to couple the biasingmember192 to thesnap housing190.

With regard toFIG. 4B, the biasingmember192 can bias thesnap housing190 in the channel defined by thepinion engagement portion168. In this regard, the biasingmember192 can be positioned between thetop housing component108 and thesecond side196 of thesnap housing190. Generally, the biasingmember192 can bias thesnap housing190 such that thesnap housing190 extends through the channel of thepinion engagement portion168 into a portion of thereservoir receiving portion170 in a first position. The application of force against thesnap housing190, by the insertion of thefluid reservoir106 into thehousing102, for example, can overcome the force of the biasingmember192 and can cause thesnap housing190 to move from the first position to a second position within the channel of thepinion engagement portion168 to allow the insertion of thefluid reservoir106. In other words, thesnap housing192 can move relative to thebottom housing component110, in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond side130 of thehousing102. In one example, the biasingmember192 can comprising a wave spring, but the biasingmember192 can comprise any suitable biasing member, including, but not limited to, a coil spring.

Thereservoir engagement system114 can be coupled to thereservoir engagement portion134 of thetop housing component108. Thereservoir engagement system114 can be coupled to and can contact a portion of thefluid reservoir106 to couple thefluid reservoir106 to thehousing102. Generally, thereservoir engagement system114 can engage thefluid reservoir106 such that thefluid reservoir106 is biased in thehousing102 in a direction opposite the flow of fluid out of thefluid reservoir106. Thus, thereservoir engagement system114 can be movable between a first position, in which thefluid reservoir106 is not coupled to the housing102 (FIG. 4A), and a second position, in which thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102 and biased in the direction opposite of fluid flow (FIG. 14). Generally, thefluid reservoir106 is retained in thehousing102 under a load to assist in detecting an occlusion in the fluid pathway defined by and between thefluid reservoir106 and thecannula107. In this regard, by biasing thefluid reservoir106 within thehousing102, pressure can build within thefluid reservoir106 upon the occurrence of an occlusion, which can be detected by components and circuitry coupled to thehousing102, as is generally known. Thereservoir engagement system114 can include a member orwedge210, areservoir biasing member212 and aretention member214.

With regard toFIGS. 11 and 12, thewedge210 can include a first,reservoir facing side216, a second,housing facing side218 and athroughbore220. Thefirst side216 can be opposite thesecond side218. Thefirst side216 can extend along a longitudinal axis L2 of thewedge210 for a length that can be substantially greater than a length of thesecond side218 along the longitudinal axis L2. The difference in the lengths between thefirst side216 and thesecond side218 can enable a portion of thereservoir biasing member212 to be accommodated and guided by a portion of thefirst side216 of thewedge210. Thefirst side216 can include afirst contact portion222 and asecond contact portion224. With reference toFIG. 11, thefirst contact portion222 can be defined at afirst end210aof thewedge210, and thesecond contact portion224 can be defined between thefirst contact portion222 and asecond end210bof thewedge210. It should be noted that thefirst end210aof thewedge210 can contact thefirst contact surface148aof thetop housing component108 when thereservoir biasing member212 is in a second, compressed position, and thesecond end210bof thewedge210 can contact thesecond contact surface148bof thetop housing component108 when thereservoir biasing member212 is in a first, uncompressed position.

Thefirst contact portion222 can contact or engage a portion of thefluid reservoir106, and thesecond contact portion224 can contact a second portion of thefluid reservoir106, as will be discussed herein. In one example, thefirst contact portion222 can comprise a substantially triangular projection, which can extend outwardly from thefirst side216. In one example, thefirst contact portion222 can have threesides226. One of thesides226 can include acontact face226a. In one example, thecontact face226acan be formed on theside226 adjacent to thesecond contact portion224. In this example, thecontact face226acan have a slope, which can extend in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L2. It should be noted, however, that thecontact face226acan have any desired slope, and thus, the slope illustrated herein is merely exemplary. In one example, the slope angle can be less than about 45 degrees to reduce insertion forces associated with the insertion of thefluid reservoir106. The contact face226acan contact and guide a portion of thefluid reservoir106 into thehousing102. Thefirst contact portion222 can also include arecess222a, which can facilitate the forming of thewedge210.

Thesecond contact portion224 can comprise a projection, which can project outwardly from thefirst side216. In one example, thesecond contact portion224 can include foursides224a-224d. Thefirst side224acan have a length L (FIG. 12), which can define the distance thesecond contact portion224 projects or extends outwardly from thefirst side216. The length L can be selected to aid in biasing thefluid reservoir106 in a direction opposite the flow direction of fluid from thefluid reservoir106. In addition, the length L can determine the amount of reservoir length tolerance variability thewedge210 can accommodate. Thesecond side224bcan define achannel228, which can aid in the manufacturing of thewedge210, through injection molding, for example. Thethird side224ccan contact the portion of thefluid reservoir106, and can provide a mechanical advantage to resist high occlusion forces with a relatively small amount of load. Thefourth side224dcan be adjacent to a surface110aof thetop housing component108 when thewedge210 is coupled to thehousing102.

With reference toFIG. 12, thesecond side218 can be positioned adjacent to thesecond end126 of thehousing102 when thewedge210 is coupled to thehousing102. Thus, thewedge210 can move relative to thesecond end126, in a direction substantially parallel to thesecond end126, when thewedge210 is coupled to thehousing102. Thesecond side218 can include ahousing contact surface218a. Thehousing contact surface218acan contact thesecond end126 of thehousing102 to restrict the rotation of thewedge210 relative to thehousing102. In one example, thehousing contact surface218acan comprise a flat surface, which can cooperate with a flat surface formed on thesecond end126 to restrict or limit the angular movement of thewedge210.

With continued reference toFIGS. 11 and 12, thethroughbore220 can be defined between thefirst side216 andsecond side218 and can extend along the longitudinal axis L2 of thewedge210 from thefirst end210ato thesecond end210b. Thethroughbore220 can be substantially circumferentially open at and near thefirst end210aof the wedge210 (FIG. 12), and can be substantially circumferentially closed at and near thesecond end210b(FIG. 11). Thethroughbore220 can slidably receive theretention member214 to movably couple thewedge210 to thehousing102, and can also receive a portion of thereservoir biasing member212. Generally, theretention member214 can be slidably received through the throughbore220 from thefirst end210ato thesecond end210b, and thereservoir biasing member212 can be coupled to and received within thethroughbore220 at thefirst end210aof thewedge210. In one example, with regard toFIG. 12, thethroughbore220 can include alip220anear thesecond end210b, which can contact an end of thereservoir biasing member212. A portion of thethroughbore220 can also have an undulating surface, which can aid in manufacturing thewedge210.

With reference back toFIG. 4B, thereservoir biasing member212 can include afirst end212aand asecond end212b. Thefirst end212acan contact thelip220aof thethroughbore220, and thesecond end212bcan contact a face defined around the retaining bore150aof thetop housing component108. In one example, thereservoir biasing member212 can comprise a coil spring, however, any suitable biasing mechanism could be employed, including a metal, metal alloy or polymeric biasing mechanism. Thereservoir biasing member212 can provide a spring force F, which can bias thewedge210 against the side133 of thetop housing component108 in the first, uncompressed position. In the second, compressed position, thereservoir biasing member212 can be compressed by thefluid reservoir106 such that thewedge210 contacts thesecond contact surface148bof thetop housing component108.

Theretention member214 can couple thewedge210 and thereservoir biasing member212 to thetop housing component108. In one example, theretention member214 can comprise a pin, which can have afirst end214aand asecond end214b. Thefirst end214aand thesecond end214bcan be fixedly coupled to the first retaining bore150aand second retaining bore150b, respectively, of thetop housing component108. In one example, theretention member214 can be coupled to thetop housing component108 by adhesives, however, theretention member214 can be coupled to thetop housing component108 via any suitable technique, such as press-fitting, mechanical fasteners, etc. As a further example, theretention member214 can be coupled to thetop housing component108 through a press-fit and visible light cure adhesive.

With reference toFIG. 4B, thefluid reservoir106 can be removably coupled to thehousing102. In one example, thefluid reservoir106 can include a first orbarrel portion230 and a second portion orplunger guide232. Generally, thebarrel portion230 can be removably coupled to thetop housing component108, while theplunger guide232 can be removably coupled to thebottom housing component110. Thebarrel portion230 can contain afirst end234, asecond end236 and areservoir238 defined between thefirst end234 and thesecond end236.

With regard toFIG. 13, thefirst end234 can cooperate with thereservoir engagement system114 to couple thefluid reservoir106 to thehousing102 and bias thefluid reservoir106 in a direction substantially opposite the direction of fluid flow out of thefluid reservoir106. In one example, thefirst end234 of thebarrel portion230 can include adelivery port240, afirst alignment feature242, asecond alignment feature244 and athird alignment feature246. It should be noted that the use of three alignment features is merely exemplary, as thebarrel portion230 could include any number of alignment features to aid in coupling thefluid reservoir106 to thehousing102.

Thedelivery port240 can establish the fluid flow path to the patient. Generally, the fluid can flow from thereservoir238 out thedelivery port240 into thecannula107 for delivery to the patient. Thedelivery port240 can include a pierceable septum if thefluid reservoir106 is a prefilled unit. Alternatively, thedelivery port240 may include a vented opening to accommodate filling of thefluid reservoir106 by the patient, a doctor, a caregiver, or the like. In one example, thedelivery port240 can be formed near or along afirst side234aof thefirst end234 and thefirst alignment feature242,second alignment feature244 andthird alignment feature246 can be formed near or along asecond side234bof thefirst end234.

Thefirst alignment feature242 can be substantially opposite thedelivery port240. Thefirst alignment feature242 can laterally align thefluid reservoir106 relative to thehousing102. In one example, thefirst alignment feature242 can comprise a geometric projection. For example, thefirst alignment feature242 can include one ormore walls248. In one example, thewalls248 can cooperate to define a geometric projection having a substantially rectangular shape. In this example, one of thewalls248acan be arcuate, to conform with thesurface108aof thetop housing component108. It should be noted that the geometric shape formed by thewalls248 is merely exemplary, as thefirst alignment feature242 can have any desired shape to constrain and align thefluid reservoir106 relative to thehousing102. Generally, thefirst alignment feature242 can be positioned near thefirst end210aof thewedge210 when thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102.

Thesecond alignment feature244 can be defined between thefirst alignment feature242 and thethird alignment feature246. In one example, thesecond alignment feature244 can comprise a wall. Thesecond alignment feature244 can have afirst surface250 and asecond surface252. Thefirst surface250 can extend outwardly from thefirst end234 so as to be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thebarrel portion230, while thesecond surface252 can be arcuate. The arcuate shape of thesecond surface252 can act as a ramp, which can cooperate with thethird side224cof thesecond contact portion224 of thewedge210. The contact between thesecond surface252 and thewedge210 can bias thefluid reservoir106 in the direction opposite of the direction of fluid flow out of thereservoir238, as illustrated inFIG. 14. InFIG. 14, the contact between thesecond surface252 and thesecond contact portion224 of thewedge210 biases thefluid reservoir106 relative to thehousing102. In this example, D_Bcan indicate the direction thefluid reservoir106 is biased relative to the housing, and D_Fcan indicate the direction of fluid flow out of thefluid reservoir106. D_Bcan be substantially opposite D_F. Generally, thefluid reservoir106 can be biased by thewedge210 such that thefluid reservoir106 contacts the at least onecontact face166 of thebottom housing component110. Thesecond alignment feature244 can also cooperate with thewedge210 to provide audible feedback to the user upon coupling thefluid reservoir106 to thehousing102.

Thethird alignment feature246 can comprise a geometric projection, which can extend outwardly from thefirst end234. In one example, thethird alignment feature246 can have sides254, which can include afirst side254a, asecond side254b, athird side254cand afourth side254d. Generally, thethird alignment feature246 can be sized to fit between thefirst contact portion222 of thewedge210 and thesurface108aof thetop housing component108. Thesecond side254bcan be angled relative to thefirst side254aand thethird side254c. Acontact surface256 can be formed between thesecond side254band thethird side254c, which can contact and move along theface226aof thefirst contact portion222 of thewedge210 when thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102. The movement of thecontact surface256 along thefirst contact portion222 can cause thewedge210 to move from a first position to a second position against the force of thereservoir biasing member212 towards thesecond side130 of thetop housing component108. As will be discussed herein, once the contact surface262 moves past theface226aof thefirst contact portion222, thereservoir biasing member212 can move from the second, compressed position to the first, uncompressed position, which can move thesecond contact portion224 of thewedge210 into contact with thesecond alignment feature244. The movement of thesecond contact portion224 into contact with thesecond alignment feature244 can cause audible feedback, such as a snap, which can be heard by the user. This can aid the user in determining that thefluid reservoir106 is properly coupled to thehousing102. Thefourth side254dcan be arcuate.

With reference toFIG. 15, thesecond end236 of thefluid reservoir106 can be substantially circumferentially open, and can cooperate with a portion of theplunger guide232. Thesecond end236 can also include aslot236a, which can cooperate with a portion of theplunger guide232 to couple theplunger guide232 to thesecond end236. Thereservoir238 can be defined between thefirst end234 and thesecond end236. Thereservoir238 can be prefilled with a fluid, or could be later filled with the fluid, if desired. In this example, thereservoir238 can receive insulin, but thereservoir238 can hold any suitable liquid.

Theplunger guide232 can be used to dispense fluid from thereservoir238. Theplunger guide232 can include aplunger263 and ahousing264. Theplunger263 can move relative to thehousing264. Generally, theplunger263 can include aplatform266 and arack268 coupled to theplatform266. Theplatform266 can include one ormore sealing elements266a,266b, which can be circumferentially disposed about a perimeter of theplatform266. The sealingelements266a,266bcan prevent fluid from escaping from thesecond end236 of thereservoir238 when theplunger guide232 is coupled to thesecond end236.

Therack268 can be fixedly coupled to theplatform266 so that the advancement of therack268 can move theplatform266 within thereservoir238. Therack268 can include a plurality ofteeth268a, which can meshingly engage a plurality of teeth on a pinion coupled to thehousing102. Therack268 can be driven by the pinion to advance theplatform266 within thereservoir238 to dispense fluid out of thedelivery port240.

Thehousing264 can include abase270 and arack receiving portion272. The base270 can be sized and configured to be received within and coupled to thesecond end236 of thebarrel portion230. Generally, the base270 can be substantially oval in shape, and can include aprojection270a. Theprojection270acan be received within theslot236aof thesecond end236 of thebarrel portion230 to couple thehousing264 to thebarrel portion230. The cooperation between theprojection270aandslot236acan provide error-proofing in the assembly of thehousing264 to thebarrel portion230. The base270 can also define an opening, which can slidably receive a portion of therack268 therethrough. The opening of the base270 can be in communication with therack receiving portion272.

Therack receiving portion272 can extend outwardly from thebase270. Therack receiving portion272 can include a bore orcavity274, at least onecontact surface276 and aremoval portion278. In one example, thecavity274 can be sized to movably or slidably receive therack268, and can be in communication with the opening of thebase270. Thecavity274 can also include acutout portion274adefined near afirst end272aof therack receiving portion272, which can enable therack268 to engage the pinion.

With reference toFIG. 16, the at least onecontact surface276 can be defined near thefirst end272aof therack receiving portion272. In one example, the at least onecontact surface276 can comprise afirst contact surface276aand asecond contact surface276b. Thefirst contact surface276aand thesecond contact surface276bcan cooperate with thepinion engagement system112 to bias therack268 against the pinion and to create an audible feedback upon the proper insertion of thefluid reservoir106 within thehousing102.

In this regard, thefirst contact surface276aand thesecond contact surface276bcan each include an insertion ramp280, arecess282 and aremoval ramp284, which can be unitarily formed. It should be noted that although the at least onecontact surface276 is described and illustrated herein as having two contact surfaces, the at least onecontact surface276 could have any number of contact surfaces, including, but not limited to a signal contact surface. Therecess282 can be defined between the insertion ramp280 and theremoval ramp284, and can receive the contact faces206 of thesnap housing190 when thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102. The insertion ramp280 can have a slope, such that as thefluid reservoir106 is inserted into thehousing102, the insertion ramp280 can move thesnap housing190 against the force of the biasingmember192. Once thefluid reservoir106 is properly coupled to thehousing102, the spring force from the biasingmember192 can move or push thesnap housing190 such that contact faces206 contact therecess282, as shown inFIG. 17. The contact between the contact faces206 and therecess282 can provide audible feedback to the user that thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102.

With reference back toFIG. 16, theremoval ramp284 can aid in the removal of thefluid reservoir106 from thehousing102. Generally, when thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102, thelip200 of thesnap housing190 can be disposed over theremoval ramp284. Thus, theremoval ramp284 can have a slope, which can cooperate with thelip200 of thesnap housing190 to compress the biasingmember192 and move thesnap housing190 to enable the removal of thefluid reservoir106.

Theremoval portion278 can be defined at a second end272bof therack receiving portion272. In one example, theremoval portion278 can comprise a tab, which can be received within aslot286 defined within the top housing component108 (FIG. 4B). In this example, the user can lift upwardly on theremoval portion278 to remove thefluid reservoir106 from thehousing102.

In order to assemble thefluid infusion device100, thebottom housing component110 can be coupled to thetop housing component108. Then, in one example, thefluid reservoir106 can be coupled to thehousing102 in a straight in insertion. In this example, the patient can press down on thebarrel portion230 to couple thefluid reservoir106 to thehousing102. The application of force on thebarrel portion230 can cause thethird alignment feature246 to contact theface226aof thefirst contact portion222 of the wedge210 (FIG. 18A), which can bias thewedge210 against the force of the reservoir biasing member212 (FIG. 18B). The continued application of force on thebarrel portion230 can cause thethird alignment feature246 to slide off theface226aof the first contact portion222 (FIG. 19A). This can cause thereservoir biasing member212 to move from the second, compressed position to the first, uncompressed position (FIG. 19B). The movement of thereservoir biasing member212 from the second position to the first position can move thewedge210 such that thesecond contact portion224 is in contact with the second alignment feature244 (FIG. 14). This contact can provide at least an audible feedback that thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102. In addition, the contact between thesecond contact portion224 and thesecond alignment feature244 can bias thefluid reservoir106 opposite the direction of fluid flow out of the fluid reservoir106 (FIGS. 20A and 20B).

Substantially simultaneously, as thethird alignment feature246 slides off theface226aof thefirst contact portion222, the continued application of the force to thebarrel portion230 can cause the insertion ramp280 of thefirst contact surface276aandsecond contact surface276bto bias thesnap housing190 against the biasing member192 (FIG. 21). Then, the contact faces206 can snap into therecesses282 of thefirst contact surface276aandsecond contact surface276bto provide additional audible feedback that thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to the housing102 (FIG. 22).

In another example, thefluid reservoir106 can be inserted into thehousing102 similar to the insertion of a battery into a battery housing. In this example, thebarrel portion230 can be inserted at an angle into thesecond compartment120 of thetop housing component108, and generally rotated slightly so that thesecond surface252 can contact thesecond contact portion224 of thewedge210. This contact can bias thewedge210 against the force of thereservoir biasing member212.

Then, theplunger guide232 can be inserted into thereservoir receiving portion170 of thebottom housing portion110. The application of force to theplunger guide232 can cause the insertion ramp280 of thefirst contact surface276aandsecond contact surface276bto bias thesnap housing190 against the biasingmember192. Then, the contact faces206 can snap into therecesses282 of thefirst contact surface276aandsecond contact surface276bto provide additional audible feedback that thefluid reservoir106 is coupled to thehousing102.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device, comprising:

a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end including an alignment feature and a delivery port;

a second portion including a housing coupled to the second end of the first portion and a plunger having a rack, with the plunger movable within the housing and the first portion to advance a fluid out of the delivery port, the rack contained wholly within the first portion and the second portion;

a reservoir defined between the first portion and the second portion that receives the fluid;

wherein the rack cooperates with a pinion to advance the plunger within the first portion; wherein the housing further comprises: a base that is couplable to the second end of the first portion; and a rack receiving portion including a contact surface adjacent to the base and a removal portion, wherein the base defines an opening and the rack receiving portion defines a bore in communication with the opening to slidably receive the rack, the bore including a cutout portion to enable the rack to engage the pinion.

2. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 1, wherein the alignment feature further comprises a first alignment feature substantially opposite the delivery port.

3. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 2, wherein the first alignment feature is a substantially rectangular projection for constraining movement of the fluid reservoir.

4. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 2, wherein the alignment feature further comprises a second alignment feature, which includes a ramp surface.

5. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 4, wherein the alignment feature further comprises a third alignment feature, and the second alignment feature is formed between the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature.

6. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 5, wherein the third alignment feature is a geometric projection.

7. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 1, wherein the contact surface further comprises a first contact surface and a second contact surface, which each include at least one ramp.

8. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 7, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface each include a first ramp spaced apart from a second ramp by a recess.

9. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 1, wherein the rack receiving portion is coupled to the base at a first end, and the removal portion is defined at a second end of the rack receiving portion, opposite the first end.

10. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 1, wherein the fluid is insulin.

11. A fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device, comprising:

a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end including a first alignment feature spaced apart from a second alignment feature and a delivery port adjacent to the first alignment feature;

a second portion including a plunger having a rack and a housing, at least a portion of the plunger received in the housing and movable within the first portion and the housing to advance a fluid out of the delivery port and the housing coupled to the second end of the first portion and the rack contained wholly within the first portion and the second portion;

a reservoir defined between the first portion and the second portion that receives the fluid;

wherein the rack cooperates with a pinion to advance the plunger within the first portion;

wherein the housing further comprises: a base that is couplable to the second end of the first portion; and a rack receiving portion including a contact surface and a removal portion, wherein the base defines an opening and the rack receiving portion defines a bore in communication with the opening to slidably receive the rack, the bore including a cutout portion to enable the rack to engage the pinion.

12. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 11, wherein the first end of the first portion further comprises a third alignment feature, the second alignment feature positioned between the first alignment feature and the third alignment feature, the third alignment feature including a geometric projection.

13. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 12, wherein the first alignment feature is substantially opposite the delivery port at the first end.

14. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 11, wherein the first alignment feature is a substantially rectangular projection for constraining movement of the fluid reservoir.

15. The fluid reservoir ofclaim 11, wherein the second alignment feature includes a ramp surface.

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